Devotional

Standing Tall

Ready 

"Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people."
-Acts 6:8

Set 

Do you like to speak in public? What about in front of many adults? What about speaking in front of your school board? Three students at a local middle school did just that the other night to defend why they thought FCA should be allowed in their school. For three months, this school board tabled the decision to allow FCA to start, but these students stood their ground and continued to pursue the school board until they allowed them to speak. These brave students had to stand tall for their faith.

After Jesus ascended to Heaven, seven men were called to stand tall for their faith in Christ. One of these men was Stephen. He challenged the high council and they finally arrested him. He could have stopped his preaching, but he stood tall before the high council and told them the truth of Jesus Christ and that the council was living in sin. The council chose to stone Stephen for his faith, but his life was not for loss. His life changed many there, especially one witness, Saul, who later became Paul.

You might think no one will listen to you about your faith and that you are right if you keep it to yourself. Stand tall for what you believe in with your FCA Huddle and your relationship with Jesus Christ. Too many athletes have become "closet Christians" and try to hide their faith instead of living it out daily. Have the courage of a Stephen and these three middle school students and stand tall. By the way, the board said YES to their Huddle request. Standing tall pays off in the end.

Go 

1. Have you had to stand tall for your faith? Huddle? Coach?
2. As an athlete, are you a closet Christian?
3. How can you start standing tall for HIM today?

Workout 

Acts 6:7-8
Mark 13:13
1 Corinthians 15:58
1 Peter 5:8-10

Bible Reference: 
1 Peter 5